Pulse of The People: NOW praises Cuomo's Women's Equality Act

As president of the National Organization for Women-New York state, I applaud Gov. Andrew Cuomo for stating bolding and loudly that his commitment to women's equality is on the forefront of his agenda. The Women's Equality Act was one of the centerpieces of the governor's speech as he delivered the State of the State address in the Empire State Plaza.

Although New York state has been in the forefront for reproductive rights, for too long women in New York state have been fighting for true equality in all aspects of life.

New Yorkers, more than ever, are now ready to endorse full equality for women who make up 51 percent of the population. This was apparent by the rousing standing ovation that Cuomo received when he laid out his plan for the Women's Equality Act.

The governor admitted that New York state has fallen behind in its rightful place as a leader on women's equality. He proposed a 10-point Women's Equality Act as follows:

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n Shatter the glass ceiling: achieve pay equity

n Stop sexual harassment in all workplaces

n Allow for the recovery of attorneys' fees in employment and credit and lending cases

n Strengthen human trafficking laws

n End family status discrimination

n Stop source of income discrimination

n Stop housing discrimination for victims of domestic violence

n Stop pregnancy discrimination once and for all

n Protect victims of domestic violence by strengthening order of protection laws